NT Police will receive a large investment from the CLP Government. Photo: NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government in the Northern Territory is committing to record spending on “law and order” in the 2025-2026 budget.
Budget increases will bring the total for the departments of police, corrections and the Attorney-General to $1.34 billion, representing a $112 million increase from Labor’s commitment.
The spending boost comes in the wake of the CLP introducing what it calls the strongest bail laws in Australia in response to the alleged murder of Linford Feick, a Nightcliff shop owner, by a serious offender released on bail.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro is following the trend of Liberal and LNP politicians at the state and federal levels highlighting their law-and-order credentials.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli brought his “adult crime, adult time” policy to the recent state election there and won, while now-former Opposition leader Peter Dutton focused on domestic violence response and public safety in the dying days of the federal campaign.
The NT Chief Minister came to power partly because of her focus on public safety and the perceived need for stronger responses to crime, including expansions of the correctional system.
NT crime was most pronounced last year when a curfew was enforced in Alice Springs.
“Since we were elected last August, we have remained laser-focused on reducing crime, rebuilding our economy and restoring our lifestyle,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“We cannot expect to reduce crime without investing in our police, corrections and justice system.
“This money is in addition to what we are spending to address the root causes of crime, including the Circuit Breaker program, family responsibility agreements, public housing reforms, and school attendance officers.”
NT Attorney-General Marie-Clare Boothby said: “Since coming to office eight months ago, we have already put more offenders behind bars, with around 600 fewer criminals on our streets each day, but there is still much more to do.
“We’ve also delivered the strongest bail laws in Australia, stronger sentencing laws, given police greater powers, and reinstated mandatory sentencing for DVO breaches.”
The NT budget will be delivered on 13 May.
